Local Law Enforcement Reacts to Gun Control Plan

Jackson County Sheriff Mike Winters says he will not support a ban on assault weapons, or a restriction on ammunition. He's not alone in his thinking.

The Sheriff didn't mince words when it came to how he feels about President Obama's proposals on weapons bans and restrictions. Winters said, "You can't, in short order, come up with these types of restrictions and such without putting a little bit more thought into it."

As long as the second amendment remains intact, Winters says he intends to uphold it. He added, "The one thing I can promise to the residents of Jackson County is that the federal government is not going to come and seize one gun out of this county, as long as I am Sheriff here."

Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson also said he intends to uphold the constitution. In a letter to the Vice President Joe Biden he said, "As the elected sheriff of this county, I am saddled with the duty, as well as responsibility, to uphold the constitution and protect those people who placed their trust in me to do what is right."

My primary concern is the safety of people. Not just officers, but i'm very concerned about the people that work with me in law enforcement. If we can reduce those risks, then I think that's good," he said.

Sheriff Winters added he does agree with the president on the need for stricter background checks, and he agrees more federal money needs to be earmarked for mental health.